Method and apparatus for transportation of sporting equipment

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for transportation of equipment, generally but not necessarily limited to sporting equipment. Generally, the apparatus described herein comprises a collapsible or foldable frame adapted for installation in the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle, where the apparatus can be unfolded to a “deployment configuration” in which elongated equipment may be securely attached to the apparatus for transportation. The apparatus generally comprises two opposing rails with bracing and equipment storage elements mounted in between, foldable at about a midpoint for easy of storage when not in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/185,774, filed Feb. 25, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Prov.App. No. 62/981,386, filed Feb. 25, 2020, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related to the field of outdoor recreation. Inparticular, it relates to methods and apparatus for transportation ofsporting equipment via a temporary structure in the vehicle.

Description of the Related Art

Despite, or perhaps because of, the prevalence of electronic devices ina perpetually on-line world, outdoor recreation is as popular as ever.For example, recreational fishing is estimated to be a $115 billionindustry in the United States alone. This economic activity is comprisedof a variety of goods and services, ranging from the purchase ofclothing and equipment for outdoor recreation to guide services andtravel expenses.

In addition to direct spending, this industry creates secondaryspending. For example, a simple exercise such as taking a family campingrequires the storage and transportation of a significant amount ofequipment. Tents, bedrolls, pillows, cooking supplies, changes ofclothing, firewood, emergency and safety equipment, and other gear mustbe stored in the home, and then transported to the campsite for use. Foreven a small family, this effectively requires either a separate traileror a vehicle with sufficient cargo capacity, such as a van, truck, orSUV.

Even with a trailer or high capacity transportation vehicle, certaintypes of equipment are difficult to transport. Fishing poles and relatedequipment present unique difficulties because the poles themselves arelengthy, but also, by their nature, flexible. Further, poles that havebeen assembled generally already have a fishing hook attached, whichmust be secured to prevent accidental injury or damage. Additionally,usually the poles cannot be merely placed in a trailer, truck bed, or avan, because they will jostle around during the trip, and the reels orpoles may become damaged, or may damage other equipment.

Although it is possible to mount clips for holding the poles, thisrequires modification of the vehicle, which is generally intended for adifferent purpose. For example, a family van is intended fortransporting family members, and transporting fishing poles is anunusual and less common use. Therefore, it is not desirable to installfishing pole clips in the family van.

Likewise, a truck bed loses much of its versatility if clips areinstalled, which could be damaged by other cargo stored in the truckbed. Also, most trailers are not deep enough to accommodate a fishingpole. Moreover, even if a set of clips is installed, they can carry onlya single pole, whereas a family on a trip will generally have more thanone pole, sometimes as many as a half dozen or more. Likewise, even asolo fisherman may bring multiple poles on a fishing outage, dependingon the type of fish, terrain, water, weather, or other considerations.It is not unusual for one experienced fisherman to bring as many as fourto six poles. Thus, installing a set of clips is not practical orsufficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is notintended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this sectionis to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, amongother things, is a foldable device for transportation of sportingequipment comprising: a top rail generally in the configuration of anelongated rectangular prism and comprising a first top rail segment anda second top rail segment; a bottom rail opposing the top rail, thebottom rail generally in the configuration of an elongated rectangularprism and comprising a first bottom rail segment and a second bottomrail segment; a folding element extending between the top rail and thebottom rail, the folding element having a top end attached to the firsttop rail segment and the second top rail segment, and an opposing bottomend attached to the first bottom rail segment and the second bottom railsegment, such that the foldable device is foldable at the foldingelement; and a first equipment mounting element, attached to, andextending between, the top rail to the bottom rail.

In an embodiment of the foldable device, the foldable device furthercomprises a second equipment mounting element, attached to, andextending between, from the top rail to the bottom rail.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first equipmentmounting element comprises a first fishing pole holder and the secondequipment mounting element comprises a second fishing pole holder.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the foldable devicefurther comprises a third equipment mounting element, attached to, andextending between, from the top rail to the bottom rail.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the third equipmentmounting element is a third fishing pole holder, the first fishing poleholder is disposed at a first end of the foldable device, the secondfishing pole holder is disposed at a second end of the foldable deviceopposing the first end, and the third fishing pole holder is disposedadjacent the folding element.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first equipmentmounting element, the second equipment mounting element, and the thirdequipment mounting element are generally parallel to one another, andgenerally perpendicular to the top rail and the bottom rail.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first fishing poleholder comprises a channel sized and shaped to receive a fishing polehandle, the second fishing pole holder comprises a channel sized andshaped to receive fishing pole rod tip, and the third fishing poleholder is a fishing pole rod clip.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the foldable devicefurther comprises a first bracing element generally in the configurationof an elongated rectangular prism, the first bracing element attachedto, and extending between, the top rail and the bottom rail.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first bracing elementis generally perpendicular to the top rail and the bottom rail.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first bracing elementis disposed adjacent to the first equipment mounting element.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first bracing elementcomprises a major plane, the first equipment mounting element comprisesa major plane, and the first bracing element and the first equipmentmounting elements are disposed such that their respective major planesare generally perpendicular

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the foldable devicefurther comprises a second bracing element, the second bracing elementattached to, and extending diagonally between, the first top railsegment and the first bottom rail segment.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the device is foldable toa folded configuration to cause a distal end of first top rail segmentto abut a distal end of the second top rail segment, and to cause adistal end of first bottom rail segment to abut a distal end of thesecond bottom rail segment.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, a first attaching elementis disposed on the first bottom rail segment, and a second attachingelement is disposed on the second bottom rail segment element, and thefirst attaching element and the second attaching element attach to oneanother.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first attachingelement comprises a clasp and the second attaching element comprises alatch.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first attachingelement is disposed at the distal end of the first top rail segment, andaid second attaching element is disposed at the distal end of the secondtop rail segment such that when the foldable device is in the foldedconfiguration, the first attaching element is attachable to the secondattaching element to lock the foldable device in the foldedconfiguration.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the first attachingelement is disposed at a proximal end of the first top rail segment, andthe second attaching element is disposed at a proximal end of the secondtop rail segment such that when the foldable device is in an openconfiguration in which the first top rail segment and the second toprail segment are aligned to form a rectangular prism, the firstattaching element is attachable to the second attaching element to lockthe foldable device in the open configuration.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the foldable devicefurther comprises a plurality of adjusting elements.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the each of the pluralityof adjusting elements comprises an adjustable, swivel-mounting levelingfoot extending outwardly from opposing ends of the foldable device.

In another embodiment of the foldable device, the foldable device has aninstallation length selected for installation of the foldable device ina vehicle storage area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an equipmenttransportation apparatus according to the present disclosure, deployedin open position.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in aclosed position.

FIG. 3 depicts a detail view of a corner of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 depicts a detail view of an embodiment of an equipment mountingelement for use with an equipment transportation apparatus according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anequipment transportation apparatus according to the present disclosurehaving additional stabilizing elements.

FIG. 6 depicts a cutaway view of a vehicle having an equipmenttransportation apparatus according to the present disclosure installedthereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description and disclosure illustrates by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. This description will enable oneskilled in the art to make and use the disclosed systems and methods,and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternativesand uses of the disclosed systems and methods. As various changes couldbe made in the above constructions without departing from the scope ofthe disclosures, it is intended that all matter contained in thedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Described herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus fortransportation of equipment, generally, but not necessarily limited to,sporting equipment. Generally, the apparatus described herein comprisesa collapsible or foldable frame adapted for installation in the bed of apickup truck or similar vehicle, where the apparatus can be unfolded toan open or “deployment configuration” in which elongated equipment maybe securely attached to the apparatus for transportation. Thisdisclosure is made with respect to fishing poles, but it will be clearto a person of ordinary skill in the art that the general structure ofthe apparatus may be suitable for use with other equipment by installingappropriate holders and clips specific to the equipment in question.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus as described herein in anunfolded, open or “deployment configuration.” The depicted embodiment(101) comprises a top rail (103A) and (103B), referred to together as(103) for sake of simplicity, and an opposing bottom rail (105A) and(105B) together, (105). In the depicted embodiment, the top rail (103)is comprised of two segments (103A) and (103B). The top rail (103) isgeneral in the configuration of an elongated rectangular prism, similarto two by four lumbar. The depicted top rail (103) is split in halfbetween segments (103A) and (103B), for purposes of facilitation of thefolding aspect described elsewhere herein. Although the depictedsegments (103A) and (103B) are approximately the same dimension andshape, this is not a limiting embodiment, and, in an alternativeembodiment, the segments (103A) and (103B) may be different lengths,shapes, or sizes. In the unfolded position depicted in FIG. 1 , (103A)and (103B) are generally collinear along their major axes, forming arectangular prism.

The depicted bottom rail (105) is similar in structure to the depictedtop rail (103). The depicted bottom rail (105) comprises two segments(105A) and (105B) of approximately the same length and shape, split atabout a midpoint so that the two segments (105A) and (105B) eachcomprise about half of the total length of the bottom rail (105). Again,this split is to facilitate the folding aspect described elsewhereherein. Although the depicted segments (105A) and (105B) areapproximately the same dimension and shape, this is not a limitingembodiment, and, in an alternative embodiment, the segments (105A) and(105B) may be different lengths, shapes, or sizes. In the unfoldedposition depicted in FIG. 1 , (105A) and (105B) are generally collinearalong their major axes, forming a rectangular prism.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 , in unfolded configuration, the top rail (103)and bottom rail (105) are generally parallel to one another. These rails(103) and (105) provide a top and bottom supporting frame for theequipment mounting elements described elsewhere herein, and arepreferably made of a lightweight but relatively rigid material that canwithstand the elastic and compressive forces associated withtransportation. Generally speaking, the overall lengths of the top andbottom rails (103) and (105) are about the same, which facilitatesinstallation in a pickup bed. The lengths are generally selected withrespect to the diagonal dimension of a pickup bed in which the apparatus(101) is intended to be installed. Many pickup beds have generallystandard or similar dimensions, allowing a given apparatus (101) to beused with various truck models and, using extension feet (111), asdescribed elsewhere herein, to fine-tune the installation for fit andstability. FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the apparatus (101) installedin open position in the bed of a pickup truck.

In the depicted embodiment (101), extending inwardly from and betweenthe top (103) and bottom (105) rails at approximately a center point isa folding element (113). The depicted folding element (113) is generallyin the configuration of two rectangular prisms arranged side-by-sidealong their longer sides and mounted together by a hinge (117). Inunfolded configuration, the two prisms effectively form a single widerprism. Each of the two prisms is shown attached to one side of therails. That is, the left-most prism is attached at its top to segment(103A) of the top rail (103), and attached at its bottom to segment(105A) of the bottom rail (105). Likewise, the right-most prism isattached at its top to segment (103B) of the top rail (103), andattached at its bottom to segment (105B) of the bottom rail (105). Thus,when the hinge (117) is operated, the two prisms pivot at the hinge(117) for folding the apparatus (101) in half. The location of thefolding of the hinge (117) is vertically aligned with the split betweenthe respective segments (103A) and (103B) of the top rail and (105A) and(105B) of the bottom rail. The depicted folding element (113) isgenerally perpendicular to the top and bottom rail (103) and (105).

In the depicted embodiment, the folding element (113) is attached in agenerally perpendicular configuration with respect to the top rail (103)and bottom rail (105). Likewise, the two halves of the folding element(113) are disposed at the inner edges of each of the segments (103A) and(103B), and (105A) and (105B), to facilitate the folding action. Thedepicted folding element (113) also provides a vertical support or bracewhich holds the top (103) and bottom rails (105) rails apart from eachother at a desired distance, and provides vertical rigidity to preventcollapse of the apparatus (101).

In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus (101) further comprises one ormore equipment mounting elements (107A) and (107B) (together, 107). Inthe depicted embodiment, the equipment mounting elements (107) aredisposed at/or near opposing distal ends of the top and bottom rail(103) and (105), and extend vertically between the top rail (13) andbottom rail (105). The depicted equipment mounting elements (107) aregenerally elongated vertical components attached perpendicularly to thetop rail (103) and bottom rail (105). In this fashion, they providefurther vertical structural support for the top rail (103) and bottomrail (105). The depicted elements (107) are attached on a top surface ofthe bottom rail (105), and on a bottom surface of the top rail (103),but, this is not a limiting embodiment and in an alternative embodiment,a different attaching point may be used. In the depicted embodiment, theequipment mounting elements (107) are about the same length as thefolding element (113), which further facilitates the depicted parallelarrangement of the top rail (103) with the bottom rail (105).

The depicted equipment mounting elements (107) are in the configurationof sets of fishing pole holders. When the apparatus (101) is unfolded,as shown in FIG. 1 , the butt end of a fishing rod may be inserted inthe holes in one of the two elements (107A) or (107B), and the opposingtip ends of the rods may be slid into a corresponding channel of theopposing element (107A) or (107B). It will be understood that not allfishing poles are necessarily long enough to mount in both of theequipment mounting elements (107). In some circumstances, one or moresets of secondary equipment mounting elements (115) may be installed ator on the folding element (113) or another location. For example, in thedepicted embodiment, a set of rod clips (115) is installed verticallyon, or at, one of the two prisms of the hinging element (113). Theseclips (115) can be used to hold one or more fishing pole rods, while thebutt end of the pole is held in one of the equipment mounting elements(107). Although an open clip (115) is shown in FIG. 1 , it will beunderstood that other clips (115) may be used, and may in someembodiments may be preferable. By way of example, and not limitation, analternative embodiment of such clips (115) is shown in FIG. 4 , whichuses a pair of adjacent foam surfaces with an inner cavity to hold arod(s) in place with reduced risk of damage to the rod or attached line.

Also shown in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1 are bracing elements(109A) and (109B) (together, 109). The depicted bracing elements (109)are generally vertical elements extending from the opposing distal ofthe top rail (103) to the corresponding and opposing distal ends of thebottom rail (105). These bracing elements (109) provide further verticalsupport for the top and bottom rails (103) and (105). In the depictedembodiment, the bracing elements (109) are installed at opposing endsand are generally parallel with one another, and have a width generallythe same as the width of the top and bottom rail (103) and (105).However, in an alternative embodiment, a different installation may bepreferred. For example, as can be seen in the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 5 , it may be desirable to install the bracing elements (109) on alateral edge of the top rail (103) and bottom rail (105). Thisconfiguration has the advantage of moving the bracing elements (109) outof the way of the installation path for the equipment mounting elements(107). This allows for longer equipment to be installed, without risk ofbumping into the bracing elements (109) and potentially damaging theequipment or the bracing elements (109). This position may also provideadditional structural support and rigidity, by providing a backingsupport surface for the equipment mounting elements (107).

In another embodiment, these bracing elements (109) may be installed ata still different location. For example, because the equipment mountingelements (107) provide vertical supports near the ends of the rails(103) and (105), the bracing elements (109) may be moved inward closerto each other to provide an additional vertical support between therails (103) and (105) at another location. By way of example and notlimitation, the bracing elements (109) may be disposed about halfwaybetween the distal ends of the rails (103) and (105) and the hingingelement (113).

As can be seen in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, the major axis of thebracing elements (109) is generally perpendicular to the major axis ofthe top (103) and bottom rail (105), but is not coplanar with the majoraxis of the top (103) and bottom rails (105). By contrast, in theembodiment of FIG. 1 , the bracing elements (109) are attached at theends of the rails (103) and (105), and the major axes of the bracingelements (109) are generally coplanar with each other, and with themajor axis of the top (103) and bottom rails (105). The embodiment ofFIG. 5 may be preferred in instances where very long poles may beinstalled, and it is desirable to move the bracing elements (109) awayfrom the ends of the rails (103) and (105) so that they do not interferewith the equipment mounted in the apparatus (101).

In an embodiment, the apparatus (101) may be further supported orreinforced with additional bracing elements, or reinforcing elements.Generally speaking, such reinforcing elements would connect variousother structural elements of the apparatus (101) in a manner to provideadditional structural rigidity. The depicted embodiment of FIG. 5 hastwo such reinforcing elements (501) disposed in a diagonal fashion.However, in an another embodiment, there may be a different number,shape, or configuration of reinforcing elements (501) depending on theneeds of the particular embodiment (e.g., size of components,anticipated operational stresses, material strength, etc.).

FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a “closed” or “folded”configuration for storage. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2 , theapparatus (101) is folded at about its midpoint around the foldingelement (113). As described elsewhere herein, the segments of the top(103) and bottom rails (105), and the folding element (113), areattached and configured so that the apparatus (101) can be folded inhalf at the folding element (117). This allows the apparatus (101) to becollapsed into a smaller configuration for easier storage, such as in atruck bed, or a garage or basement. In this closed configuration, one ormore attaching element(s) (119) may be used to hold the apparatus (101)in closed position. Likewise, in open position, one or more attachingelement(s) (119) may be used to hold the apparatus (101) in an openposition.

As can be seen in the drawings, the attaching element(s) (119) maycomprise two corresponding elements, such as a clasp and latch, disposeddifferent parts of the apparatus (101) to effect the attaching function.For example, the first attaching element (119) may comprise a claspdisposed on the bottom rail segment (105A) at a distal end thereof, anda corresponding latch component disposed at the opposing distal end ofthe bottom rail segment (105B). When the apparatus (101) is closed,these two elements (119) are adjacent to one another, and the clasp canbe attached to the latch to lock the apparatus (101) in closed position.The same approach may be used to facilitate locking the apparatus (101)in open position.

As also can be seen in FIG. 2 , the secondary retaining element (115)should be disposed on a side of the folding element (113) outside of thefolding direction, so that the retaining element (115) does notinterfere with the folding action. Likewise, the dimensions andstructure of the sports equipment holding elements (107) should generalbe selected and configured so that they do not extend beyond the sideedges of their corresponding top and bottom rail segments, otherwise,they may interfere with proper closing of the apparatus (101).

Also shown in the FIGS. are adjusting elements (111). The depictedadjusting elements (111) may be used to fine-tune the installation ofthe apparatus (101) in a vehicle. The depicted adjusting elements (111)are generally adjustable extensions that protrude from the distal endsof the top (103) and bottom (105) rail segments. When the apparatus(101) is unfolded and installed diagonally in a pickup bed, theseelements (111) can be individually extended to contact the interiorsurfaces of the bed to hold the apparatus (101) in place.

For example, in FIG. 3 , the adjustment mechanisms (111) comprise fouradjustable leveling feet installed laterally along the major axis of therails (103) and (105). This allows the feet (111) to be individuallyextended a suitable distance from the distal end of each of the rails(103) and (105), and a swivel mounted foot can be used to brace theapparatus (101) against the inside surfaces of a truck bed. The feet(111) may comprise pads, such as rubber covers, to improve grip andprevent scratching. The depicted leveling feet (111) comprise a lockingelement (such as a nut) to hold the extensions in place at the desiredamount of extension. In alternative embodiments, a spring loaded mountmay be used to simplify installation.

When the apparatus (101) is unfolded for deployment, the overall lengthof the rails (103) and (105) is generally greater than either of themajor dimensions of the pickup bed into which it will be installed. Thatis, the length of the apparatus (101) exceeds the width or depth of thepickup bed, which is generally too small to accommodate a fishing poleinstalled along the width or depth. However, by unfolding the apparatus(101) and installing it diagonally from corner to corner, more interiordistance can be created to facilitate long equipment, such as fishingpoles.

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus (101) may further comprisea cover which may be placed over it to prevent passing debris or windfrom dislodging the equipment. As can be seen, a plurality of fishingpoles may be installed on the apparatus (101). For example, four buttends may be installed at a first distal end on the one (107A) of the twomounting elements, with the tips facing the other direction towards theopposing mounting element (107B). A second set of poles can be installedwith the butt end on the opposing (107B), with the tips facing backtowards the first mounting element (107A). This allows the poles to besufficiently staggered so that the reels and other equipment do notinterfere with each other or become tangled.

Throughout this disclosure, terms such as “generally,” “about,” and“approximately” may be used, such as, but not necessarily limited to,with respect to geometric terms, including shapes, sizes, dimensions,angles, and distances. One of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat, in the context of this disclosure, these terms are used todescribe a recognizable attempt to conform a device or component to thequalified term. By way of example and not limitation, componentsdescribed as being “generally coplanar” will be recognized by one ofordinary skill in the art to not be actually coplanar in a strictgeometric sense because a “plane” is a purely geometric construct thatdoes not actually exist and no component is truly “planer,” nor are twocomponents ever truly coplanar. Variations from geometric descriptionsare unavoidable due to, among other things, manufacturing tolerancesresulting in shape variations, defects, imperfections, non-uniformthermal expansion, natural wear, and other deformations. Further, thereexists for every object a level of magnification at which geometricdescriptors no longer apply due to the nature of matter. One of ordinaryskill in the art will understand how to apply relative terms such as“generally,” “about,” and “approximately” to describe a range ofvariations from the literal geometric meaning of the qualified term inview of these and other considerations. Additionally, the use of theconjunctive and disjunctive should not necessarily be construed aslimiting, and the conjunctive may include the disjunctive, and viceversa.

While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a descriptionof certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed tobe the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to beillustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein areencompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations ofthe described embodiments may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

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 21. A foldable device comprising: a top rail having a firsttop rail segment and a second top rail segment, and an opposing bottomrail comprising a first bottom rail segment and a second bottom railsegment; a folding element extending between said top rail and saidbottom rail and connecting said first top rail segment to said secondtop rail segment, and connecting said first bottom rail segment to saidsecond bottom rail segment such that said foldable device is foldable atsaid folding element; and at least three fishing pole holders extendingbetween said top rail and said bottom rail.
 22. The foldable device ofclaim 21, wherein a first of said at least three fishing pole holders isdisposed at a first end of said foldable device, a second of said atleast three fishing pole holders is disposed at a second end of saidfoldable device, and a third of said at least three fishing pole holdersis disposed adjacent said folding element.
 23. The foldable device ofclaim 21, further comprising a first bracing element extending betweensaid top rail and said bottom rail.
 24. The foldable device of claim 21,wherein said foldable device has an installation length selected forinstallation of said foldable device in a vehicle storage area.
 25. Thefoldable device of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of adjustingelements, each of said plurality of adjusting elements comprising anadjustable, swivel-mounting leveling foot extending outwardly fromopposing ends of said foldable device.
 26. The foldable device of claim21, wherein said device is foldable to a folded configuration to cause adistal end of said first top rail segment to abut a distal end of saidsecond top rail segment, and to cause a distal end of first bottom railsegment to abut a distal end of said second bottom rail segment.
 27. Thefoldable device of claim 26, further comprising a first attachingelement disposed on said first bottom rail segment, and a secondattaching element disposed on said second bottom rail segment element,wherein said first attaching element and said second attaching elementare attachable to one another.
 28. A foldable device: a top rail havinga first top rail segment and a second top rail segment, and an opposingbottom rail having a first bottom rail segment and a second bottom railsegment; a folding element extending between said top rail and saidbottom rail and connecting said first top rail segment to said secondtop rail segment, and connecting said first bottom rail segment to saidsecond bottom rail segment such that said foldable device is foldable atsaid folding element; a first equipment mounting element extendingbetween said top rail and said bottom rail; a first bracing elementextending between said top rail and said bottom rail and disposedadjacent to said first equipment mounting element; and a second bracingelement extending between said first top rail segment and said firstbottom rail segment.
 29. The foldable device of claim 28, furthercomprising a second equipment mounting element attached to, andextending between, said top rail and said bottom rail.
 30. The foldabledevice of claim 29, wherein said first equipment mounting elementcomprises a first fishing pole holder and said second equipment mountingelement comprises a second fishing pole holder.
 31. The foldable deviceof claim 28, further comprising a plurality of adjusting elements, eachof said plurality of adjusting elements comprising an adjustable,swivel-mounting leveling foot extending outwardly from opposing ends ofsaid foldable device.
 32. The foldable device of claim 28, wherein saiddevice is foldable to a folded configuration to cause a distal end ofsaid first top rail segment to abut a distal end of said second top railsegment, and to cause a distal end of first bottom rail segment to abuta distal end of said second bottom rail segment.
 33. The foldable deviceof claim 32, further comprising a first attaching element disposed onsaid first bottom rail segment, and a second attaching element disposedon said second bottom rail segment element, wherein said first attachingelement and said second attaching element are attachable to one another.34. A foldable device: a top rail comprising a first top rail segmentand a second top rail segment, and an opposing bottom rail comprising afirst bottom rail segment and a second bottom rail segment; a foldingelement extending between said top rail and said bottom rail andconnecting said first top rail segment to said second top rail segment,and connecting said first bottom rail segment to said second bottom railsegment such that said foldable device is foldable at said foldingelement; a first equipment mounting element extending between said toprail and said bottom rail; wherein said device is foldable to a foldedconfiguration to cause a distal end of first top rail segment to abut adistal end of said second top rail segment, and to cause a distal end offirst bottom rail segment to abut a distal end of said second bottomrail segment; and wherein a first attaching element is disposed on saidfirst bottom rail segment, and a second attaching element is disposed onsaid second bottom rail segment element, and said first attachingelement and said second attaching element attach to one another.
 35. Thefoldable device of claim 34, further comprising a second equipmentmounting element attached to, and extending between, said top rail andsaid bottom rail.
 36. The foldable device of claim 35, wherein saidfirst equipment mounting element comprises a first fishing pole holderand said second equipment mounting element comprises a second fishingpole holder.
 37. The foldable device of claim 34, further comprising aplurality of adjusting elements, each of said plurality of adjustingelements comprising an adjustable, swivel-mounting leveling footextending outwardly from opposing ends of said foldable device.
 38. Thefoldable device of claim 34, wherein said device is foldable to a foldedconfiguration to cause a distal end of said first top rail segment toabut a distal end of said second top rail segment, and to cause a distalend of first bottom rail segment to abut a distal end of said secondbottom rail segment.
 39. The foldable device of claim 38, furthercomprising a first attaching element disposed on said first bottom railsegment, and a second attaching element disposed on said second bottomrail segment element, wherein said first attaching element and saidsecond attaching element are attachable to one another.
 40. A foldabledevice comprising: a top rail having a first top rail segment and asecond top rail segment, and an opposing bottom rail having a firstbottom rail segment and a second bottom rail segment; a folding elementextending between said top rail and said bottom rail and connecting saidfirst top rail segment to said second top rail segment, and connectingsaid first bottom rail segment to said second bottom rail segment suchthat said foldable device is foldable at said folding element; a firstequipment mounting element extending between said top rail and saidbottom rail; a plurality of adjusting elements, each of said pluralityof adjusting elements comprising an adjustable, swivel-mounting levelingfoot extending outwardly from opposing ends of said foldable device. 41.The foldable device of claim 31, further comprising a second equipmentmounting element attached to, and extending between, said top rail andsaid bottom rail.
 42. The foldable device of claim 31, wherein saidfirst equipment mounting element comprises a first fishing pole holderand said second equipment mounting element comprises a second fishingpole holder.
 43. The foldable device of claim 31, wherein said firstattaching element comprises a clasp and said second attaching elementcomprises a latch.
 44. The foldable device of claim 31, wherein saidfirst attaching element is disposed at said distal end of said first toprail segment, and said second attaching element is disposed at saiddistal end of said second top rail segment such that when said foldabledevice is in said folded configuration, said first attaching element isattachable to said second attaching element to lock said foldable devicein said folded configuration,
 45. The foldable device of claim 31,wherein said first attaching element is disposed at a proximal end ofsaid first bottom rail segment, and said second attaching element isdisposed at a proximal end of said second bottom rail segment such thatwhen said foldable device is in an open configuration in which saidfirst bottom rail segment and said second bottom rail segment arealigned to form a rectangular prism, said first attaching element isattachable to said second attaching element to lock said foldable devicein said open configuration.